Technology changing teacher's role

A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study provides new information about the changing role of the teacher in technology-supported learning environments. According to the research findings, the use of technology changes the role of the teacher from a traditional knowledge provider rather into a facilitator guiding the students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving with the students. In addition, technology offers a range of new types of learning possibilities.

"With the help of tablets and smartphones, new ways have been discovered which support the cooperation between education and the world of work. For example, videos recorded at the workplace can be used as a learning resource at school," says adjunct professor Raija Hämäläinen from the Finnish Institute for Educational Research.

According to Hämäläinen, smartphones also open up new possibilities for such pedagogical practices where students have a more active role than before. "With smart phones the students can, for instance, write scripts and make videos that illustrate the matters to be learnt."

Diverse utilisation of devices is a challenge

At its best, successful utilisation of technology provides opportunities for more interactive learning and teaching. This, of course, poses a challenge for teachers' professional development and teacher training.

"From the viewpoint of the development of future learning environments it is essential how well we will succeed in utilising new technologies, such as tablets, smartphones, and games in support for learning," Hämäläinen summarises.

The target group of the study consisted of first and second year vocational school students and their teachers from different fields. The main focus of the study was on the interaction between the teacher and students in various technology supported learning environments.